Hair Metal Blog

2007-05-02T14:05:00.000-07:00

ATTENTION POSTERS: We have moved! We all know that you hate change (I only need to note the fact that we're obsessed with music that peaked 20 years ago) but this is definitely change for the better. The new digs we're in are packed with videos, pictures (not of me yet, I can't find a camera that won't shatter when it captures my image), and music. It's kinda like youtube, only better. We want to bring you all with us. Like I said in a post awhile back, we were just jabbering amongst ourselves for a long time on the music that we loved. Now we have some friends and we don't want to lose them. Follow the link, it's simple. Goodbye ancient blogger, hello cool social network.

www.mamasfallenangels.com

See you on the other side posters!!

2007-05-02T09:38:00.000-07:00

This is our first post to feature this band and I'll give myself 40 lashes for that tonight. I was cruising metaldom late last night looking for songs for the MP3 player and out of boredom and frustration (I can think of a million songs before I actually get in front of the computer, then I go blank) I keyed in KIX. I wasn't a huge fan in the eighties, but I'll tell you from the songs I got last night that was totally my fault. I just downloaded the staples--Don't Close Your Eyes and Blow My Fuse--and they ROCK! I had forgotten, I guess. I'm calling on my posters here. I have a block of memory reserved for the boys from KIX so give me your picks (aside from the two mentioned) of what I should have. The ESSENTIAL Kix, if you will. Make sure you tune in tomorrow, I'll have an obscure one from Winger that I forgot about too. It's a good'un. G'day friends, Romans, and fellow Metalheads!

2007-05-01T08:54:00.000-07:00

Rebellion is the name of our game today on the Tuesday Which Song Rocked Harder edition. I liked these videos back in the day because they had long haired rockers dissing the public school system and throwing teachers in pools and disturbing the high school peace with general metal mayhem and madness. I would have liked to have done all of these things but I would have been grounded for several thousands of weeks and my old man would have thrown me under a greyhound bus. We needed bands like the Crue and Twisted Sister to help keep our minds churning in fantasy, and they did the job very well. This week's WSRH features Smokin' In The Boys Room by Motley Crue (our high schools had smoking areas, so this wasn't a necessity for us...ahhh the good 'ol days) vs We're Not Gonna Take It by Twisted Sister. I have a final exam tonight (one of my last) and I think when I'm done I'm going to walk to the bathroom at the end of the hall with my pack of Camel lights and fire up. Screw any NARC who tries to tell my mom...Rock on metalheads.

2007-04-30T10:41:00.000-07:00

Steve's just gonna love this. I was cruising the metal world today looking for news to elate us, enrage us, disgust us, enlighten us, dissapoint us, or confuse us. This one is more of a dissapoint us type of tidbit and here it is. James Hetfield, the growling prowling menacing screaming face of speed metal from my youth was seen hanging outside of the Dalai Lama's recent seminar/speech in San Francisco. I love the Dalai. He's good for humanity and his persecution in his homeland is embarassing for the world. But let's face it here folks, no member of Metallica should be within 100 feet of this "beacon of light." What's next, Tony Iommi chills with the pope? I used to think KISS and Ozzy were at the forefront of metal sellouts, and I still do, but these guys are screaming up through the ranks. Sellout is a term used to much, I'll be the first to admit. Whenever someone in metal makes a song or album we don't like, becomes a headline act, sells some records, or makes a commercial we feel like they have sold out. I like Ozzy's recent music, I really do. I think in his heart he's still a rocker but he's just to old (and feeble--remember we're honest on this blog) to care about the commercials, TV shows, makeup, dolls, pajamas, and whatever the hell else Sharon can dream up to fight it anymore. That's bad news for us Oz. The true fans never needed that crap and we don't now, even if the music has slipped a little. KISS is onstage now for money, and that's it. I can understand that. If someone paid me millions to dress up in makeup, play rock and roll, and sleep with assorted hotties I would probably sign up for that. But Gene acts like he doesn't CARE when the true loyal fans want them to make a new record, reform the old lineup, or play like theyr'e not just doing a walk through. Just act a LITTLE embarassed about the whole mess Gene and I'll start to forgive you a little. We're not going to get religious or political on this blog I promise you. We're friends from different places and we have TOTALLY different opinions on those two subjects so it's stupid to debate it. But I will tell you, James Hetfield chilling with the Dalai Lama, Ozzy on Regis, and KISS everywhere is really starting to piss me off. They've earned the right I guess, I just wish we could go back to the day when these bands weren't so damn socially acceptable. It's part of the reason I liked them.

2007-04-29T15:38:00.000-07:00

I gave in to my buddy Jeremy and agreed with him to go to Type O Negative here in Charlotte on Saturday night. I know we discussed them several posts ago as a new band we kinda like. I thought they were new, but I believe Metal Mark (not quite sure) informed me they rose from the ashes from a band called carnivore. I don't know how to explain them, but a mix between Pink Floyd and Pantera would probably be the most accurate. Before I go, I did come across something interesting while checking out some KISS stuff. Did you know that Ace Frehley used to be in a NYC street gand with Mr. Blackie Lawless? The name of the gang...I hesitate to write this because you may never hear WASP the same way after......was the Duckies! The Duckies?. That's just great stuff metalheads. Enjoy your Sunday. I'll see you tomorrow.

2007-04-28T16:10:00.000-07:00

Obscure Metal Track Of the Week. We look for needles in haystacks, pearls in oysters, and honest people in government. We know they are rare, but they're worth it when you find them. This week's OMSOTW is one of my faves. It's Rocket Queen by GNR. I always thought this was the very best on the record, and was surprised they didn't release it (I guess instead opting for the INCREDIBLY nauseating Paradise City) and make a video. The lyrics and music are great, but the best part is the total change of pace at the end where intead of making the whole song a chauvinist smut rant, Axl shows his lighter side. It's good stuff. I remember Joe and I used to think he was saying he always wanted his partner to always know he was gay, but upon further review he was letting that person know he would always be there. I'll bet the people in the audience of shows he cancelled wished he was talking to them. Enjoy your Sat. Metalheads.

2007-04-27T18:24:00.000-07:00

I have long been praising this as one of the hidden gems in 80's metaldom, but just in case you don't believe me check it out for thyself. Go grab Megadeth's Peace Sells album and listen to side two. Those songs crunch so hard it'll make your jaw hurt. I used to say Metallica 9 out of 10 every time in the Met/Meg debate but nowadays I'm not so sure. I think the boys from Deth played the dark spoiler to Metallica's more commercial full blown success very, very well. Dave is a prick from most accounts, but there is metal in that fucker's blood to be sure. Cups raised this Friday night to Megadeth's B sides, back cuts, unreleased stuff and flashes of brilliance. I think I might be only one of a handful of people who bought So Far So Good So What (and possibly the ONLY one who liked it) but give that one a chance too. It deserves it. Gnight metalheads.

2007-04-26T13:06:00.000-07:00

Album O' The Week time once again. My friends and I were just talking about what a strong 1986 summer album 5150 was, but we've already featured it on AOTW. I'm going to go with Slide It In by Whitesnake. I heard Slow and Easy the other day on the radio and that triggered today's AOTW. Good ones here, especially the ones that get real nasty and bluesy....unlike my women who get real nasty and woozy. Pump your fist to some good ol Whitesnake, it's our Album O' The Week.

editor's note: A special shout out this post goes to people that have never met us but take the time to indulge our metal craziness. We try to make our blog as sexist and blatantly male pig headed as possible (much like a sweaty growling David Coverdale), but this girl Allyson just keeps coming back. Allyson loves her some metal and we love her right back. Mark, Andre, Rob, Robert, Bill and Mike are top notch gents who we can't wait to meet. Mark and Rob, if our site/blog ever gets to the level that you guys have achieved, we'll be very proud. It's been over a year for us and we were just talking to ourselves for a LONG time. We're glad to have you on board and when we become rich and famous you're ALL coming with us!! Gday Metalheads

2007-04-25T14:26:00.000-07:00

I was browsing Blabbermouth earlier today and came across GnR's tour dates for the second leg of their world tour. The show starts 6/2 in Mexico and makes stops in Australia and Japan. As I was reading some of the responses to the dates, some guy chimed in that his "sources" have told him that Axl will front Van Halen after the We're About To Release Chinese Democracy tour is over. Probably B.S., but interesting nonetheless. Here are the dates:

June 02 - Monterrey Mexico Arena Monterrey June 03 - Guadalajara Mexico VFG Arena June 05 - Mexico City Mexico City Sports Palace June 10 - Perth Australia Burswood June 13 - Adelaide Australia Adelaide Entertainment Centre June 15 - Melbourne Australia Rod Laver Arena June 20 - Brisbane Australia Brisbane Entertainment Centre June 23 - Sydney Australia Acer Arena June 29 - Auckland New Zealand Vector Arena July 14 - Tokyo Japan Makuhari Messe July 15 - Tokyo Japan Makuhari Messe July 17 - Tokyo Japan Budokan Hall July 18 - Nagoya Japan Rainbow Hall July 21 - Osaka Japan Osaka Jo-Hall

2007-04-24T12:33:00.000-07:00

KISS had two eras: The makeup era and the non-makeup era. Cody had these two eras too, but for him the makeup came after not before like the boys from KISS. They were certainly a rock and roll band throughout these two eras, and today's Which Song Rocked Harder is going to put one from each era against each other in battle. We all know Rock and Roll All Nite and Detroit Rock City and Beth. My favorite from makeup KISS (well, besides I Love It Loud off Creatures of the Night) was Love Gun off of the record of the same name. This song featured signature Paul Stanley, and signature Paul Stanley is a fantastic made-for-rock voice with some of the most base and inane lyrics known to man. Love songs by KISS will not be remade into great world poetry any time soon. My favorite non-makeup song (there are many) is Heaven's On Fire off Animalize. Let's put these two to the test. They don't sound all that dissimilar and they're good rock songs. This week's WSRH is Heaven's On Fire vs. Love Gun. Vote hard posters. Go easy on the eyeliner Cody.

editors note: I feel bad in not commenting on Mark St. John's recent passing, so I hope our inclusion of one of "his" KISS songs makes up for that a bit. I've owned Animalize on tape, record, or CD--and any combination thereof--since I was in sixth grade. It was an important album to me and I enjoyed the guy's work. RIP Mark.

Have a good one ya'll.

2007-04-23T19:07:00.000-07:00

The minds behind the blog were talking about things or sounds that were unique to hair metal, or heavy metal of the 80's. Steve brought out the "whooosh" sounds on the drum tracks to some songs. Up All Night by Slaughter came to mind, as did Nothin' But A Good Time from Poison. Youth Gone Wild had a taste near the end. Hey Steve, I thought of another one after we stopped emailing. Remember The Stroke by Billy Squire. The Whooosh (or missle swoosh sound as Steve has coined it) was clear throughout that whole song. Keeping with drums, what happened to guys twirling drumsticks? It was cool and people just don't do it anymore. We need to bring that back. Remember B.C. Rich guitars? Why don't people play them anymore. I'm secretly glad that some of the clothes don't come back, but the instruments were kick ass. Does anyone twirl their guitars (ala Cinderella) anymore? What about the tight little sharp ended Jackson flying V's (ala Mustaine and King) or frontmen twirling their mic stands (ala Bon Jovi and Coverdale)? How about pyrotechnics? I don't watch new videos or see new bands, but it would be cool to see John Mayer and the Simpson girl (the hot one, not the one with the nose) singing a duet and as they approach stage right...KABOOM...they both go ablaze. The kids today are just missing out on some of the cool PROPS we had! EVH was as recognizable for that painted up guitar as he was for his sound. Keifer without a jet black Les Paul, or Wylde without that black and white bullseye Les Paul? Wouldn't happen. George Lynch was my man, and his guitars (he had too many cool ones to mention) were a staple. What would you like to see come back? What band or band member did you identify with their instrument as much as their sound? Post away ya'll, I want to read some of these.

2007-04-22T17:06:00.000-07:00

I was downloading some random music last night and had a thought about the band Weezer. I don't know if ya'll like these guys, but I really do. I haven't heard much more than the stuff that's been on the radio, but I delved a little deeper into their stuff last night and there is no doubt these guys have a hair metal attitude. Listen to Hash Pipe (it was on the radio a year or so ago) and My Name Is Jonas off of the first record. They're a hair metal band in college radio clothing to me. Nothing much to report here, just finishing up some homework so I can go finally see Grindhouse tonight. I cant wait any longer. Just the thought of Rose McGowan with a machine gun leg gets my heart rate up. Good night all. Talk to you tomorrow.

2007-04-21T10:47:00.000-07:00

Metal Obscurity from where I sit today, and we're going with a little feel good Blackie Lawless. This week's Obscure Metal Song Of the Week is Chainsaw Charlie (or Murders In The New Morgue, whichever you prefer) by Wasp. I like this song for several reasons, so let's take a look: A profanity laced tirade against the music industry, a great couple of solos by then unknown Bob Kulick, a great change of rythym right in the middle of the song, and a chanting bloodthirsty crowd while a chainsaw churns in the background. Man, I was feeling all happy sunshine on this sun drenched Saturday, but now I feel downright damned diabolical. Thanks Blackie. And thank you in advance, loyal posters, for offering your thoughts on this Obscure metal track from our friends at WASP. Enjoy your Saturday and tune in tomorrow!!

2007-04-20T12:42:00.000-07:00

We discussed Tesla's Real to Reel, the upcoming covers album (due in July) a couple of months ago and we finally have our hands on a track listing. Some goods one here, but some that I admittedly haven't heard before in my life:

AEROSMITH - Seasons Of Wither ALICE COOPER - Is It My Body BACHMANN TURNER OVERDRIVE - Not Fragile BAD COMPANY - Shooting Star BLACK SABBATH - War Pigs ERIC CLAPTON/DEREK AND THE DOMINOES - Bell Bottom Blues JAMES GANG - Walk Away LED ZEPPELIN - Thank You LYNYRD SKYNYRD - Saturday Night Special MONTROSE - Make It Last PETER FRAMPTON - Do You (Feel Like We Do)ROBIN TROWER - Day Of The Eagle SLY & THE FAMILY STONE - I Want To Take You Higher TEMPTATIONS - Ball Of Confusion THE BEATLES - I've Got A Feeling THE ROLLING STONES - Honky Tonk Woman THE ROLLING STONES - Street Fighting Man THIN LIZZY - Bad Reputation TRAFFIC - Dear Mr. Fantasy UFO - Rock Bottom URIAH HEEP - Stealin' ZZ TOP - Beer Drinkers, Hell Raisers

I'll give kudos (once again) to Tesla being one of the best "raw rock" bands on the planet, so this one should be pretty good. Have a great Friday afternoon metalheads and we'll see you tomorrow with some metal obscurity.

2007-04-19T14:13:00.000-07:00

Album O' The Week Thursday around here and we want to pay Tribute to Ozzy, so this week's album is Tribute by Ozzy. For those of us who were very, very little while Ozzy was breathing life into heavy metal with Black Sabbath, these are the earliest rumblings we remember. This album spotlights his too-short-lived pairing with wunderkind guitarist Randy Rhoads, and some of the great music that came out of it. I know Sabbath traditionalists will tell me that Ozzy's time with Geezer, Tony, and Bill were the highlight of his musical career but I like the Bark At The Moon, Blizzard Of Ozz stuff even better. It's faster, more hungry, and better produced than the old Sabbath stuff ever was. I'm not here to get in a discussion about pre and post Sabbath Ozzy however, so let's take a look at some tracks on this album (live for the most part) that stood out for me on long walks to the base bowling alley during frigid February South Dakota nights. I remember the awesome organ beginning to Mr. Crowley, the unbelievable drum solo (Tommy Aldridge I believe) during Steal Away, and being introduced for the first time to Randy's live mastery on Paranoid and Flying High Again and his unbelievable work on Suicide Solution. It took his genius (in my mind anyway) to another level. I've noticed that about GREAT guitarists. The studio seems to limit them somehow, which says alot with all the crap they have in recording studios these days. When they are out in front of the crowd and it's all guitar, amp, and crowd the great ones transcend, and that's what Rhoad's accomplishes on this record. Just check out the solo on Crazy Train. I'm not a huge Crazy Train fan, I think it's overplayed and not their best stuff, but his solo and rhythym work have just perfect timing and he seems to be pulling everyone else with him. Hendrix got taken too early, for sure. I don't feel the connection with Morrison or Joplin (not slighting them, I just don't feel it) and Cobain was never my bag. If I could bring one back, I think Randy Rhoads might be the one. Crank Tribute by Ozzy Osbourne because it's this week's Album O' The Week!

2007-04-18T11:59:00.000-07:00

This may not be news to you, but it's news to me so I'm going to spill it. I just read where late last year Paramount decided to green light (that's industry talk) a movie based upon Motley Crue's The Dirt, a 2001 autobiography. Everything is pretty hush-hush but the list of actors is pretty solid. Val Kilmer has signed on to play David Lee Roth and Ozzy Osbourne will be played by the indomitable Christopher Walken. I'll pay good money to see Walken play Ozzy.

2007-04-17T12:59:00.000-07:00

Tuesday. Which Song Rocked Harder. Boo-yow, let's get started. Quiet Riot is a band we haven't visited in awhile (for better or worse) so let's feature two by them. I loved the old stuff, but my favorite song by them is The Wild and the Young. It was a metal shop staple and I dug it. Weird video and all. I liked Cum On Feel the Noize the most of the old stuff so let's toss those two up. This week's WSRH is Cum On Feel the Noize vs. The Wild and the Young by Quiet Riot. Yes, I know Cum On Feel the Noize was a Slade cover, but we're going with the QR version. I met Dubrow at a rockfest a few years back here in Charlotte when he was touring with Nugent, Slaughter and Night Ranger. After QR's set, they had them at a table signing autographs (had to just KILL that egomaniac to have to sit out in the sun between the Bojangles and the hot dog shack at our ampitheater and mumble thank yous as he signed t-shirts) and I asked him why they didn't play anything off of QRIII. His reply was "Oh, you liked that album huh dude?" and then he gave a little chuckle. I don't know if he rolled his eyes, as I was intoxicated and couldn't focus, but I'm sure he did. If I could be anyone on the planet, it would be Kevin Dubrow.

2007-04-16T19:46:00.000-07:00

I'm going to try my best to post about something else other than the Rocklahoma show coming up in a few months. I'll try, but it will be hard. As I look at the lineup again, it posts alot of real good combos though. How about RATT and Poison on night one? Last time Steve and I saw that we were all of 15. Lots has changed since then. I will stand with Steve and see Faster Pussycat for the first time. I will stand with Joe Saytch and see Y&T. I can't find the words. Before the aforementioned RATT and Poison, Cody and I will experience Slaughter and Quiet Riot. Day two is almost a wet dream. Firehouse, Warrant, Skid Row, Dokken and Vince Neil. I don't know if I could have dreamed this lineup if I was paid. I'm sure I'll be speechless for the duration of those sets. Day three? Only Britny Fox, LA Guns and WASP. We'll just throw in Great White and Jackyl as the also rans. Cody called this our Woodstock. I agree. That's high praise posters, but somewhow not even worthy. With all the TBA's out there that could be filled by Whitesnakes, Tora Toras, Teslas, and Cinderellas I shudder to think. This music shaped us. This is why we're here and take the time to read Hard Rock Hideout, just like we read Hit Parader and Metal Edge. We haven't outgrown it, it hasn't outgrown us. I hope everyone who posts here or even checks us out from time to time stops by to see us. We're part of the same twisted party. I wouldn't want it any other way.

2007-04-16T05:58:00.000-07:00

Any time I get a chance to post King Diamond news you know damn well I'm going to take it. Here's one of those times. King's Give Me Your Soul....Please! will be released June 26th and a tour of North America should follow shortly thereafter. If I ever get to see King Diamond, I'm sure it will come second only to seeing GWAR down here a few years ago. Hail to the KING!!

2007-04-14T14:54:00.001-07:00

Well, we all survived Friday the 13th (Joe Saytch barely) and we now find ourselves in the midst of the Obscure Metal Song Of The Week. I went to see The Reaping last night, and it was a pretty good flick. For those that haven't seen the commercials, it deals with the plagues of ancient Egypt. You heathens remember right: frogs, blood, fire, boils, locusts...all the stuff from the bible. It reminded me of one of my top five all time Metallica songs and that's the track we're going to feature here. You guessed it--Creeping Death is our OMSOTW. This song appeared on Ride The Lightning and it was for me the highlight of the album. Very good riff, amazing solo, and a chant of DIE! DIE!...All the things that made speed metal superb. Deep stuff, man. This OMSOTW is of course dedicated to Joe, being the first (and only) born. All of that heathen living is catching up with you old friend, you heard it here first. Ok, that's the last swipe I'm taking at you. I'm done. Really. Have a great weekend guys!!

P.S. to Allyson: Don't be scared of us. The only cave Joe has been too lately is his expansive office tucked in the corner of his basement, and that's because his wife probably locked him in there.

2007-04-13T11:07:00.000-07:00

For our friend: Joe Saytch

In Memoriam

Feb 1974-April 2007

Just kidding, Joe is alive and well. He's had pneumonia and has been spitting up blood laced loogies, so we execise our God given rights as friends to make fun of his misery. Get well soon bud!

2007-04-12T07:21:00.000-07:00

Album O' The Week time once again. We're coming up on the year anniversary of our blog, so I'm having to retrace my steps to make sure I don't duplicate our Which Song Rocked Harder, Album O' The Week, and Obscure Metal Song Of The Week segments. It's hard work, but I do it because I LOVE you guys. We are all about the positive around here. With that being said, we're going to feature an album that gives us nuns, sex, mind control, murder and madness. We're about the positive, like I said, but we love all that crap too. If you haven't guessed from my little teaser this week's AOTW is Operation Mindcrime from Queensryche. I'll admit I didn't like this album because of the whole deep content thing, but for the kick ass singles (I Don't Believe In Love and Eyes of A Stranger specifically stand out in this regard) but I'll give a short recap for progressive metal freaks who like their albums to paint a picture. We'll call people like this Codys, for lack of a better term. Nikki (our hero) is a heroin addict and political malcontent. He joins an organization that he believes to be a fundamental revolution group and through his addiction and angst is made the puppet of the evil Dr. X (our protaganist). When the Dr. utters the word "mindcrime" Nikki becomes a killing machine for his master. Through Dr. X Nikki meets a corrupt priest named Father William (our sacrificial lamb) who in turn introduces Nikki to whore turned nun Mary (our love interest). As Nikki's feelings for Mary grow, he begins to question his position and mission with Dr X's organization. Seeing this, the good Dr. commands Nikki to kill both the priest and the whor...I mean nun. Nikki is successful in offing the priest, but hesitates when it comes to Mary. Nikki confronts Dr. X and demands to be let out of the group, but X plays to his heroin addiction and Nikki becomes conflicted. He returns home to Mary only to find her hung by her rosary bead necklace (our over-the-top dramatic climax). Nikki descends into madness because he doesn't know if he might have unwittingly killed Mary while under the power of Dr. X. End of story? Nope...Mindcrime II (dreadful record, to be sure) picks up the insanity nearly a decade later...but that's for another time.

Whew! That was a mouthful. I never knew all that stuff was going on in this record because my walkman was equipped with a little button called "fast forward". I'm glad I know the backdrop but it won't take away from the mastery of this groove heavy record and the doors it opened up for prog-metal everywhere. Relisten and Relive Operation Mindcrime from the 'Ryche because it's this week's AO'TW. This one's for you Cody. You progessive rock music snob.

editor's note: back in the day we had a mind control word for Cody that would make him stab people with his dinner fork. We of course can't disclose the word because we never let Cody return to his normal hypnotic free state. If you ever meet him, just be sure not to use the word associated with pre-historic humans that are featured in GEICO commercials. If you do, make sure no forks are present. Also, the question of Mary's murder was answered during the live set of Mindcrime during the '89-'90 tour. Unbeknownst to Nikki, Mary was under the mental control of Dr. X as well, and he ordered her to kill herself over the phone while Nikki was on his way to her. She couldn't fight X's power and hung herself with her necklace. This is one of those stories that just makes you feel warm all over!

2007-04-11T18:47:00.000-07:00

I ran smack into my Dokken block during my time on the treadmill tonight. Good for me. Nothing gets my feet moving like George burning his fretboard up. Speaking of Dokken (and Don specifically) I wonder who would make an "All-Diva Band" from our hair metal heroes. I'd put Don in front of David Lee Roth on vocals. Bass would definitely be Kip Winger (I know, I know, he's changed alot) drums would be Rikki Rockett for sure. Guitar is tough. I'd say C.C. but we don't want two from the same band. I guess Eddie Van Halen could fall in there with his recent tizzies over everything VH. I don't know if he's our perfect guy though. I'll bet that Vinnie Vincent thinks he's the second coming, but that's never been confirmed. I need a diva guitarist.....Hammet? The whole gay rumor aside, I just don't think he fits either. I need one posters. Give it your best shot.

p.s. I didn't forget about Axl (the ULTIMATE diva) but as I read in one of my brother's old Playboy magazines explaining why East Carolina University didn't make the cut during their annual Party Schools edition: professionals don't apply. G'night metalheads.

2007-04-10T05:49:00.000-07:00

Which Song Rocked Harder on a Tuesday. A beautiful sunny spring morning in my neck of the woods and I feel ready to ROCK! on this one. We're going to do debut songs from debut albums. We've professed our true love for both bands we're going to feature today, and part of the reason for our admiration is that they came out of the box rockin'. Rockin' hard. I remember Cinderella's first single for a couple of reasons. The first were the two somehow VERY hot twin "wicked stepsisters" in the skirts. The second was how great the song was. Shake Me was the perfect choice off of a GREAT debut record to release as an opening single. A fast paced party song that opened a door to a great career. The same could be said of Modern Day Cowboy by Tesla. Cinderella went for the "Poison/Whitesnake/KISS" type of blitz with the makeup and sex driven videos, while Telsa always opted for a little more political bare bones approach. Both styles worked well and launched careers that still keep these bands selling records. I would put both of these records in my top 15 of the era, and they're not all that dissimilar. You can hear the love of the blues. The ballads are there. I'm thinking both of these albums were released in the banner year of nineteen hundred and eighty six, both are two of the best debut albums of the genre, and we really wish both could win. Only one can though, so vote away. This week's WSRH is Shake Me by Cinderella vs. Modern Day Cowboy by Tesla. Happy Tuesday metalheads!

2007-04-09T12:11:00.000-07:00

I hate to say I told you so. Alright, I actually LOVE when I get to say that but I feel sad that I was right on this one. Remember a few posts back how I said Bon Jovi will become the next KISS in a few years? They're ahead of schedule. I picked up a USA today while I was at the gym for lunch and read that Ritchie Sambora and Jon Bon Jovi will have figurine "dolls" made of their likenesses and will sell from between 10-12 dollars. From what I read, it doesn't seem like these will be the cool little paintable figurines (I've seem them of Ozzy and Hetfield among others) but more of a Barbie type deal. Sheesh, what a world huh?

2007-04-08T19:18:00.000-07:00

A sunday night of metal obscurity, nothing could be finer. I struggled with this Obscure Metal Song Of The Week, but when I heard the song again today, I knew there was no doubt. We going with an import with this one. Loudness holds our OMSOTW this week with Rock and Roll Gypsy. This song was obscure (there was a video) but it was very very good. Loudness still hangs around Japan making music, but they never took off stateside like they SHOULD have. I downloaded several songs tonight from different stages of their 80's career and it's better than most of the stuff that gets re-hashed on boneyard and the like. If you get a chance, download some Loudness. And crank Rock and Roll Gypsy, because it's our OMSOTW.

2007-04-06T09:15:00.000-07:00

We got some great news of the bombshell knock you off of your seat variety yesterday from our buddy Steve. That Steve always has his ear to the ground when it comes to metal news. Give him enough vodka and red bull and he puts his whole face to the ground pretty good too. It seems the great state of Oklahoma has put together this little shin-dig called Rocklahoma. I'm going to list the performers for this event, but I just want to let our readers and posters know that it is a veritable Dream Team Hair Metal lineup. This is who's set to play:

Poison
Ratt
Vince Neil
Warrant
Slaughter
LA Guns
Quiet Riot
Winger
Dokken
Jackyl
Faster Pussycat
Enuff Znuff
Y&T
Bullet Boys
Bang Tango
Great White
Steel Heart
FireHouse
WASP

I'll allow time for your jaw to reset. Yep, that's who is going to show. The masterminds behind our blog are all going to be there, so if you plan to make it give us a shout. It would be great to meet some of our posters and hang out. Before I go let me throw a link at ya:
www.rockfeverfest.com

Oh, and one more thing. A guy who checks our blog out sometimes, Hard Rock Hideout, broke this news before us and has some links to information. Hey HRH, let us know if you're going for sure.

2007-04-06T07:25:00.000-07:00

Album O' The Week around here. I was telling my buddies that it was in the 80's here Wednesday and we have a 20% chance of snow flurries today. I think the weather is crazy everywhere this week. Anyway, enough about the weather and on to the AOTW. This one comes from the fun loving boys at Poison. While Look What The Cat Dragged In propelled these guys to super-mega-poster-on-every-wall-in-Americana-superstardom, Open Up And Say Ahh... cemented it. I think the hidden gem here is Love On The Rocks but the ones found in heavy rotation from this album are very good. Nothin' But A Good Time is a steady rocker and a great party song, Fallen Angel is a great song about a Hollywood starlet gone whore gone good girl, Your Mama Don't Dance is in my opinion one of the better rock re-makes of the era, and at one point you couldn't go anywhere without hearing Every Rose Has It's Thorn. I can't quite remember the whole big deal about the original album cover (I'm sure a quick trip to Wikipedia or a phone call to Steve could clear this up for me but I don't have the strength for either) but if I remember correctly it was censored soon after the record came out. Eight million of these puppies sold to date (3million to Steve alone) so chances are you have it. If so, crank it because Open Up And Say Ahh...is our Album O' The Week!

2007-04-04T13:38:00.000-07:00

The talk of the day has been personalized metal license plates. We posted a blog last month with a photo of a Passat driver with a very cool Metallica plate. What would your's say? Who would you pledge allegiance too? RoknWDokn would work for me. I don't know how long those personalized things can be but I'm sure Zodiac Mindwarp and the Love Reaction might be stretching it. How about SlipryWnWet. Probably too long there too. OU812? 5150? Too easy. Knowing us and our posters, we must have some friends or family in the country's correctional facilities. Let's see if we can get some personalized metal plates for all of our peeps. CatsNBoots? DIO? There's one for you Steve.

Speaking of metal monikers, check this out from our pale blonde friends in Sweden. Yep, seems the Swedish government is trying to block this couple from naming their daughter Metallica. I've heard worse names, I'll tell you that. The Swedish National Tax Board said the name is too closely associated with the rock band and "metal" in general. No shit, that's why it's cool. Our advice here at MamasFallenAngels is to name that kid whatever you want. What the hell can SWEDEN do about it anyway? Do those guys even have an army? I'm boycotting chocolate and my six Swedish supermodel girlfriends starting today.

2007-04-03T13:05:00.000-07:00

Which Song Rocked Harder. We've been slow and low lately with the ballads so lets get back to the heavy stuff. With two of metals hardest bands at that. This week's melee will be a battle of Megadeth and Metallica (as if these guys haven't battled enough outside MamasFallenAngels) and their takes of some hard rock and punk classics. Metallica's up first with Whiskey In The Jar, a redo of the Thin Lizzy classic. I like the old version, but Metallica's rocks. I liked the redo of Garage Days, but this one was definitely the best of the rehashed rockers Metallica put out on disc II of the two disc set. Megadeth's comes to us from So Far, So Good, So What and it is equally as good. It's a remake of Anarchy In The UK by the Sex Pistols. Motley did this one as well, if you remember, but this one is more true to the original. SFSGSW doesn't get much play in Megadeth's catalog, but I think it's underrated. It started to show me that Dave's guitar work was every bit as good as Hammet's. This week's WSRH is Whiskey In The Jar by Metallica vs. Anarchy In The UK by Megadeth. This is the perfect chance for our posters to hurl inane insults and act like children just like Dave and Metallica have done all these years. Hoo-Ray!!

2007-04-02T06:08:00.000-07:00

I ordered my Rush tickets online yesterday. They will be here in Charlotte on June 18th. I know Cody and I really like this band, and although I don't consider them hair metal they may just be the closest you can get without being hair metal. There are a lot of bands I put into that category. Do you guys remember Saga? They were kinda hard. How about April Wine? Sort of Def Leppardish. Night Ranger? I always considered them hair metal. I considered Triumph hair metal too, although it feels more classic rock to me now. I still like Lay It On The Line. Another band that I always considered on the "edge" was Kings X. Cody's a real big fan of these guys too, and they just released six "albums" on Molken Music that range from demos to solo stuff to instrumentals. I'm not familiar with Molken, but the stuff looks very rare and is a must have for a fan. King's X new studio album, Go Tell Somebody, should be out later this year.

2007-03-31T15:30:00.000-07:00

Time once again to delve into metal obscurity and we're going to do it with RATT. As I mentioned earlier in the week, the guys from Ratt will be on tour with the guys from Poison this summer. If this tour is half as successful and well received as Cinderella/Poison I think we're in for a good time. This week's Obscure Metal Song Of The Week is Lack Of Communication by Ratt. I loved the riff to this song (I used to rewind and replay the beginning on my walkman over and over) and it makes me realize the band softened on each album. Never going SOFT mind you, but the sound became more refined and light. Think of it from Out of the Cellar to Dancing Undercover--the sound was not quite as heavy towards the end. I don't know what lineup RATT is going to throw out there, but it will be good to hear their stuff live again. Crank Lack Of Communication WAY up, because it's our OMSOTW!

2007-03-30T07:40:00.000-07:00

More tour news, and some I didn't really expect. White Lion (now known in most circles as Mike Tramp's White Lion) is hitting the road and are releasing a new album this summer. The band will hit Europe first, then try to be stateside by mid-summer. The current linup is: Claus Longwood (bass), Tony Farrell (drums), Jamie Law (guitar), and Henning Wanner on keyboards. No Vito, as you'll notice. While Mike Tramp recently did not rule out bringing Vito back into the fold, he said Vito will have to make the first step and stop making excuses for why he was out of music the past 15 years. As you'll recall on an older post of mine, this is the cat who said he was no longer in music and was "working with computers." Ummm......most of our posters work with computers, but I don't think it would keep them away from a rock and roll lifestyle. This could be interesting, MamasFallenAngels will keep an eye on it for ya.

2007-03-29T08:44:00.000-07:00

Album O' The Week around here on Thursdays, and one that should warm me up as it is cold, rainy, and dreary around here today. Last year around this time we featured the Cult's Electric as our AOTW, but this week it's Sonic Temple. I listened to this album all the way through high school and it never got old. Electric didn't either, but this was the one I always went back too. In the discussion of favorite hair metal, I wonder why nobody ever says the Cult is one of their favorite bands. I know the old "Was the Cult hair metal?" discussion will come up, but I love the hairy stuff so much, if it is within a millimeter of hair metal it gets lumped in. This one is good from top to bottom (side 2 is a hidden gem) but Fire Woman, Sun King, Sweet Soul Sister, Edie (Ciao Baby) all stand out. My favorite track off this disc is New York City, and while browsing for it the other night on Napster I accidentally downloaded a live version. It's oh so good. We're almost to the end of the week so take heart y'all.

2007-03-28T19:08:00.000-07:00

OOOOOOOHHHHH Yeah. Good news for us tonight. If you didn't already know, Poison will team with RATT this summer for a U.S. concert tour. Two of our favorites, to be sure. Now the bad news. Michaels will team with VH-1 for a reality series titled entitled "Rock Of Love with Brett Michaels"....Allyson, try to make sure your husband doesn't read this. Guys, the show starts in July, so if your spouse or girlfriend schedules a long business trip in that month it's time to get suspicious....The show will be a "Bachelor" type show that will no doubt embarrass everyone involved.

2007-03-27T08:10:00.000-07:00

Tuesday's are days that we decide Which Song Rocked Harder. I'm going to go way back to some old Jon Bon and throw them against some old Def Leppard. I started officially liking Bon Jovi with 7800 Faranheit, but I think the world was aware of him after Runaway from his self titled debut album. While I still admit that I like Jon and really like the music, he will kick me in the balls in April and May by appearing on CMT's annual awards show on 4/16 and on American Idol on 5/2. Look for Bon Jovi to become KISS in several years. While Jon gained steam in the late 90's and into this decade, Def Leppard kinda lost some steam in my opinion after they took over the world in the late 80's. I haven't heard the new covers record and I haven't heard alot off Slang either. I guess that's what I get for being so in love with the old stuff and so resistant to the new. They still will draw MILLIONS of fans anywhere they go, and that will keep them putting out studio records, but I think they might have become more of a "nostalgic" act vs Bon Jovi. I'll bet Lep's music hasn't slipped as much as Jon's but we're not here today to compare where these bands are at. We are not even here today to compare where these bands WERE. We are here today to decide which song rocked harder (or in today's case which song was the better ballad.) I'm going to get post after post telling me the better ballads than I'm going to choose to fight today, and I will totally understand. In fact, were they're too better "ballad" bands from the 80's? Van Halen might be the only one close, and even then not REAL close. This WSRH is Silent Night from Bon Jovi vs. Bringing On The Heartbreak by Def Leppard. Not the two that will leap off of the page by either of these two, but two that might take you back to days before hair metal REALLY exploded. Two guys who are the epitome of hard rock frontmen: Bon Jovi and Elliot. Two vastly underrated guitarists: Collen and Sambora. Two band members who let alcohol vastly change their lives and position with the band: Such and Clark. And one drummer with just one arm: Allen. Before you throw these two in the ring posters think of this: At the end of the 80's no band--not Bon Jovi, not GnR, not VH, not Poison, not the Crue, not Zodiac Mindwarp and the Love Reaction, had sold more records in the United States than Def Leppard.

2007-03-26T19:43:00.000-07:00

I was wondering tonight as I listen to their debut album why I hated Winger. Oh yeah, because Kip's a pompous prick--I almost forgot. Really though, their stuff isn't that bad. Madalaine was always my favorite by them, but Seventeen is a decent enough song about statutory rape. I can name a few ballads I liked less than Headed For A Heartbreak. I'm debating if they are MP3 worthy, but they may just be. I might remove a few from the Clash I'm getting tired of. Goodnight metalheads!

2007-03-25T13:59:00.000-07:00

Rise up, gather round, rock this place to the....Sorry, I just head that song on the way back from school and it's stuck in my head now. I went out last night for a little revelry and the place was a little....ahem...younger than the place we normally go to suck down brewskis. It's right near a local liberal arts college so we had a ton of Abercrombie clad kids trying to control the jukebox. Lucky for us although we are older, fatter, and had no shots at the college aged GIRLS (always the upside of the college bars) that were there we actually have jobs and money. Not alot, but enough to jump our songs ahead of theirs for an extra 50 cents. We got a few good calls with a battery of Metallica and a few eye rolls with a battery of Poison, but it was worth it to not hear John Mayer. The most head bobbing we got was from a few from Primus I played. It was fun. Hey, did you guys know that Les Claypool actually auditioned for Metallica after Burton died. That would have been interesting..... After the bar we went to a party a buddy of mine was having who is into the new metal. He's a little younger than us at 27, but we started talking about the old stuff vs. the new. He loves Metallica, Ozzy, and GNR but balks at the hairier stuff. I told him I understood, I sometimes balk when I see the hair and outfit from those days myself, but that's just a part of growing older and getting wiser. The music was mine and it will always be my favorite. He went through his playlist of some new stuff I might like and I'll have to admit some was pretty good.

Type O Negative--I thought this was a fast-thrash-kill your mom band but they are actually kinda mellow.

Marilyn Manson--Good music. Too bad the idea of him being a despicable monster overshadowed that.

Perfect Circle--This is Maynard's side band. I heard a few liked last night.

I spent my time bashing the new stuff. I hope this made up for that a little.

2007-03-23T10:45:00.000-07:00

I wonder what I would say to some of my metal gods of the past, being an adult now and realizing they were just regular people with great musical talent, great appetites for drugs and loose sex, and a great urge to self destruct. The era was the music, but it was the people too. I wonder what I'd say to....

Axl Rose--"I hope you die and burn in hell for what you did to this band. You were my generation's Beatles, my generation's Stones, my generation's Clash/Sex Pistols and you pissed it away for you own eccentrism. I know you're an artist and all, but every artist still has a responsibility to the fans."---If Appetite for Destruction doesn't end up on any top ten all-time list of rock records you see, burn the fucking magazine or shoot the TV.

Gene and Paul--"Get right with Peter and Ace, because there may be some good stuff left in your band. Get together at some downtown NYC bar near where it all started without any lawyers, PR people, family, fans, TV crews or groupies and just hash the shit out. Give yourself a year to put together new songs and go to the studio. Then go on tour. Not any tour, a 5 billion stop world wide arena rocking roadhouse. Don't open for Aerosmith. Don't get REO Speedwagon as an opener--just do it like 25 years ago. When you're done, hang it up. Have Alice Cooper induct you into the Hall of Fame. Whenever the assholes there deem it appropriate to nominate you."

Jon Bon Jovi--"You know, I always secretly really liked your music but stated publicly several times that I hated you because chicks in high school I wanted to get with always talked about how they loved you. I understand that emotion now as: jealousy. Your music is good, you seem like a cool guy, and all the chicks I wanted in high school are now not worth it. We both won, Jon. Drop the country duet crap though."

Cinderella--"A couple of buddies and myself were talking the other night about your shows and your music. Top notch. If the other 80's bands carried themselves like you guys, Grunge wouldn't have stood a freakin' chance."

Bruce Dickinson--"Be nice. Drop the anti-American crap and drop the "we're not playing the old stuff anymore" crap and just be a cool guy. You have a very, very loyal following. If you want to play the new stuff, that's fine. Your fanbase wants to hear it too, but don't shove it down our throats. And as for constantly dissing us dirty Americans, you've sold a hell of a lot of albums over here dude so step-off. You are a lead vocalist in a British heavy metal band and nothing more. I love you. Your fans all over the world love you, now just play and enjoy it or I'll get Lemmy to kick your ass. There's a bloke who knows how to shut up and rock!"

Dee Snider--"The Christmas album was crap, but good job on the radio show. I catch it when I can."

Don Dokken--"Lighten up."

Geoff Tate--"Lighten up."

Ronnie James Dio--"The whole thing with Tenacious D is great. Shows you really know how to make fun of yourself, and that's not always a bad thing. Could you talk to Bruce Dickinson for us...."

Metallica--"Man, how you guys changed my life. I can recite every word of every song off every album up to the black album (and including it). I remember popping Master into my the tape deck in my folks' Buick and getting my fucking mind blown. I remember seeing you on the Justice tour and getting my mind blown (although the Cult almost blew you off the stage that night.) I remember thinking that you couldn't go wrong. Everything that you did was going to turn into gold in your hands. I guess with all of that being said the only word I can come up with for these recent albums is...betrayal! How could you do this to us? Every time I see Lars sniveling to some Napster honcho I want to puke. Every time I think of your open sob session that was turned into a movie I want to puke. I'm tired of all of this puking! Give us a good record. Not great, just good. That's all we ask. Do us a favor too--no videos. No MTV exclusives, don't drop by Total Request Live, don't have us enter to win an autograhed guitar, don't have your tour sponsored by Doritos, don't have your concerts recorded and given to IMAX. Go back to 1983. Grab your jean jackets and bell bottoms. Do it for us. You spoiled us, guys. No one's made you sleep in the streets during this haze of yours, but we've definitely moved you to the couch in the garage until you sleep it off. Give us a goodun"

Come on posters. This is an open letter to our old musical heroes. What would you say and who would you say it too?

2007-03-22T19:23:00.000-07:00

Album O' The Week and a goodun. That's a North Carolina abbreviation for you folks meaning this album rocks. Contagious was released in 1987 and was the first Y&T record I bought after checking out the Summertime Girls video on Metal Shop. Those guys enjoyed a good beach romp around scantily clad women while sporting jam shorts and muscle shirts. They resemble the minds here at the blog on that one. The Contagious video was a little different with the guys hitting the street and rocking hard, at one point playing dice with a threesome that oddly resembled RUN-DMC. The song was good, I bought the tape, and promptly lost it three months later in Joe Saytch's raid on my collection. Contagious and LA Rocks were my two favorite from this record, but it's good from top to bottom. They pre-dated the Ratt's and Crue's out of the California scene with a hard rocking sound that goes back to the 70's with Dave Meneketti driving them, and he remains the braintrust to this day. As spring and summer approach, this is exactly what you need to pop in the stereo to take you back to Yesterday...and rock you through Today. For those that aren't in the know that is what Y&T stands for. Tip your hat to Dave and the Boys because they still tour, still put out good rock music, and still haven't sold out to anything. Contagious by Y&T is our Album O' The Week.

2007-03-20T08:47:00.000-07:00

Ballad day for today's edition of Which Song Rocked Harder and I think I have two good ones here. I mentioned in last week's posts that Still Loving You by the Scorps was my all time favorite metal ballad, but LoveSong by Tesla is close. In fact, I think they're close enough to match up. Let's do it. This week's WSRH is Tesla's LoveSong vs. Still Loving You by the Scorpions. Two electrified tear jerkers that capture the hottest essence of love right before you break up with that bitch/bastard or marry him/her and extinguish the flame of passion forever. We here at the blog are sappy lovesters, what can I say. For an interesting three-way, match these two up with Great White's Save All Your Love. That's my third favorite.

editors note: MamasFallenAngel's favorite ballads, rockers, bands, underwear, guitarists, drummers, bassists, and rock-video chicks are subject to change at any time, and he will not be held liable for any ballads, rockers, bands, underwear, guitarists, drummers, bassists or rock-video chicks that he may have mentioned as his favorite at any time in the past.

2007-03-19T19:29:00.000-07:00

I tuned into the "new" rock station here on my way home from class, and heard a song from Godsmack. I like one song by them, Bad Religion, and have seen them in concert twice down here. The song I heard (didn't catch the name, sorry) sounds exactly like Bad Religion and the singer is singing about someone trying to be like him and/or being jealous of him. Can't say that I dug the song too much but it reminded me of why I don't even try with the new bands. Outside of Pearl Jam and a little of the old Soundgarden, it just sounds like it has no soul. On to a band that has plenty of soul, I read a small article on Blabbermouth that has Billy Duffy of the Cult chiming in on the new record. I don't think there's a drop date but I'm really looking forward to it. I really think that people will start coming back to the 80's bands that are still coming out with new stuff as the "new" metal bands die out.

2007-03-18T19:24:00.000-07:00

We're down to the sweet 16 in college basketball, and in watching the games this weekend I heard a bunch of metal. You have Iron Man and Crazy Train. I heard The Final Countdown a couple of times. Let's see...how many have I heard in the past. We have Twisted Sister chiming in with We're Not Gonna Take It, AC/DC has a couple (You Shook Me All Night Long and Thunderstruck are two I can remember) and of course Welcome To The Jungle. I look forward to the day we see the article about the wunderkind flutist for the Ohio State band talk about his influences. "Man, the first time I heard the USC band do Iron Man, it was over for me. I was hooked!" I wonder if those bands ever saw their songs being played by college pep bands during American basketball tournaments? Are there any that I'm missing that you've heard?

2007-03-17T13:48:00.000-07:00

Obscure Metal Song Of The Week time, and this time we're going to go with scary on top of obscure. Scary Obscure Metal Song Of The Week. There, now we're ready. Dokken was my favorite group of the classic hair metal days (I was squarely in the Lynch camp, if you're interested) and I was definitely a Nightmare On Elm Street guy. When these two hooked up, it could mean nothing but the greatest rock soundtrack song in history. Sometimes things don't always work out I guess. Dream Warriors is what we got besides the great rock song, but it's still kinda sorta ok I guess. I think this song signaled me starting to distance myself from the Dokk a little bit, and that's because it's got Don written all over it. Big overdone chorus. Sappy lyrics (I'm standin' alone again....forever.....together...oohh!!). Sleek over-production. With all that being said it is Dokken and I do love them (platonically) so they get space today on the blog with their ode to Freddy. Crank Dream Warriors because it is our Spooky Scary Unearthed Obscure Metal Song Of The Week.

2007-03-16T12:13:00.000-07:00

I have Idol news to report. Not the American Idol, because I despise that crap, but one of it's spinoffs in Europe. Finnish contestant Ari Koivunen sang Here I Go Again by Whitesnake on the live show Thursday night. I have seen maybe twenty minutes of American Idol since it came out, but this version looked a lot cooler with a live band. A couple of other songs that Ari has performed for the show are The Evil That Men Do by Maiden and Perfect Strangers by Deep Purple. I'd love to see Iron Maiden night on American Idol. Check out some footage of our man Ari here.

2007-03-15T21:20:00.000-07:00

Just a little follow up news on the Scorps. I was checking their website and the new album, Humanity-Hour 1 should be in stores the last part of May. I always really liked these guys but haven't listened to them in a long time. I wonder how the sound has changed. I actually hope it hasn't changed a bit.

2007-03-15T13:56:00.000-07:00

Album O' The Week. Beautiful Thursday here in NC with temps in the 80's. Perfect weather for a true "cock rock" album. Love At First Sting by the Scorpions fits that bill, so let's roll with it. Much of my time with this band was spent jamming to World Wide Live (excellent live stuff) but this was their major hit producer. Rock You Like A Hurricane (I only moderately like this one, although it is undoubtedly their biggest hit), Bad Boys Running Wild, Crossfire, and Big City Nights are all good rockers, and Still Loving You may be my favorite metal ballad of all time. I saw these guys open for the Crue a few years back, and I thought it was pretty cool that the Crue let them do a set over an hour. They've earned it, and Love At First Sting deserves our Album O' The Week. Crank it you crazy Americans!!!!

2007-03-14T19:01:00.000-07:00

Jani is touring with a new band. The name is Saints Of The Underground and it is built around a wunderkind gutarist from Sin City named Dario Larino....Is he talented? Yes. Do we wish he hitched his star to another singer? Yes again. They are worth checking out, so go get 'em if they come to your town. There are no confirmed dates that I see, but an added bonus is Bobby Blotzer on the skins. For those that remember, Bobby Blotzer was RATT's old drummer and skins are drums.

2007-03-14T14:04:00.000-07:00

Time for Warrant news--damn, is it that time of year again already?--and the news this time is good. I've never been a huge fan of these guys (they were o.k. I guess) but they have a new DVD out along with the (semi) new album that gives pretty cool video interpretations of the (semi) new songs. I've listened to a little bit of each track off the (semi) new offering (aptly titled Born Again) and it is pretty good. Actually, it's the best disc I've reviewed since Motorhead's Kiss Of Death. Man, that was a while back. We should have a regular weekly album review. We'll start today. Ok--here goes. I've heard all of about 3 minutes of this album but I haven't vomitted yet so it must be pretty ok. Go buy it and the DVD if you are a Warrant fan. And of course if you actually "buy" CD's anymore. Man I hope Lars doesn't read our blog. On second thought FUCK HIM, I hope he does! If you want to be a smartass and tell me this album was released last year and isn't exactly new, you can do that too. But be warned, the smartass door swings both ways. I think the last time I mentioned these guys, Jani was touring with a band called--drumroll for creativity here folks--Jani Lane's Warrant. I wonder how that marketing meeting went. Record guys: "Jani, we don't want your apple to fall too far from the Warrant tree, because..well...you'll always be tied to them and that was your absolute apex as a musician." Jani "Is this Jack Daniels free, or do I have to pay?" Ahhh showbiz. Anyway I don't know if he's still out on tour with his version of Warrant, and I haven't heard the whole album, so I'll have to get back with you tonight for updates. I have to go check out our first and only bar right here in the city limits after work with my boss. No doubt at one point I'll ask "Is this Jack Daniels free or do I have to pay?"

2007-03-13T18:32:00.000-07:00

Tuesday is Which Song Rocked Harder. A hypothetical question type name that describes two sweaty cranky combatants from our youth grinding it out against each other in the arena of metaldom. This week is going to feature two songs from a band that have never been described as cranky or sweaty. Well, maybe sweaty--but it was always dream sequence slow motion sweaty like the chicks dig. Europe is this week's band and Final Countdown and Cherokee are this week's songs. I know some of our loyal posters may argue that Journey or Asia (or even Heart--gasp!!) have songs in their catalog that rock harder than these two, but Europe was hair metal. We must take the fist pumping spiked-wristband bands right along with the spandex and eyeliner bands. I heard The Final Countdown today and they cut out all the electronic groaning and space sounds during the intro. I felt cheated. It's not the same song without all that silly posturing, so in your mind and in your vote please include that. Also consider Cherokee, where a bunch of blue eyed blond haired Scandanavians feel the pain of their dark haired, dark skinned Cherokee Indian brethren. Man, come to think of it these guys had range.

2007-03-13T15:06:00.000-07:00

Thanks again to the loyal posters to the blog for today's entry. This is definitely a cool license plate, although as a rule I despise personalized plates. I think this plate would be much better on a muscle car or a jacked up redneck pickup, but I guess Metallica now belongs to us as much as it belongs to the Passat driving crowd. That in itself is reason to mourn what this great band has become.

2007-03-12T12:46:00.000-07:00

Sorry I didn't get to post over the weekend, our internet was down but should be back up this evening. I love my local area redneck technology capabilities. The internet will be back up but the outhouse will be down at least another week. A buddy of mine sent me a link to Eddie Van Halen's official announcement of his re-entry into rehab (I don't think the article ever specified what for) and that is the reason why the re-vamped VH has postponed their tour. Check out the photo. I hope Eddie comes out sober again, because the guy just absolutely does not look good. I've seen millions of shows, but seeing DLR with VH is something I always missed. I hope they can get this thing together by the summer because it would be good for rock.

2007-03-08T20:16:00.000-07:00

Thursday around these here parts are Album Of The Week days, and we're going to stick with Anthrax for tonight's proceedings. We hate it, but Anthrax is our number one cow disease and definitely one of our top metal bands. They go hand in hand sometimes. There is really only one album in my mind when talking about these guys, and that's Among The Living. Their opus, no argument there. This record features the classics Indians, Among The Living, I Am The Law and the very, very underrated Caught In A Mosh. They even borrowed a page from latter day NWA with Efilnikufesin, which as we know stands for Nise Fucking Life. They don't get points for spelling but high praise for speed metal. This is the rare album with no throw outs, and it kept me warm several nights in the sony walkman on jaunts around Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota. And some nights that shit wasn't easy. I like I'm The Man. Persistence Of Time was top notch. We'll save that for another day. This day belongs to Among The Living, because it's our Album Of The Week. NOT! No really it is.

Little known Anthrax facts: The regulars to the blog (Steve, Cody, Joe Saytch and myself) saw this band open for KISS at the Rapid City Civic Center in Rapid City, South Dakota as pimple faced mulleted high school freshmen. To date us (yes, we're old as fucking dirt) it was the Crazy Nights tour for KISS. Highlights of this show were: Me piercing my ear for the first time with a queer-eye lightning bolt stud in Steve's bedroom, me actually grabbing Gene Simmons as he came out to the mixing board stage left, and poor Joe Saytch getting grounded for my big fucking mouth. We're older now, and Joe Saytch has almost been divorced for the same aforementioned big fucking mouth. Anthrax was pivotal in our dysfunctional upbringing. Chime in metalheads!!!

2007-03-07T18:56:00.000-07:00

VH1's Rock Honors will again be "Hair Heavy" this year by including Ozzy Osbourne as one of those who has influenced and inspired the Rock and Roll genre. Heart (debated heatedly on their "hair rock" status by posters to this blog) and ZZ Top (always liked those guys) will also be honored. I missed last year's proceedings, but from the lineup VH1 gives hair metal its due. Last year's ensemble included Def Lep, Queen, KISS, and Judas Priest. Way to go VH1....MTV who?

2007-03-06T09:51:00.000-07:00

Time for us to get combative again with the Which Song Rocked Harder melee. I'm going to go with two from Anthrax this week. My favorite song by them is Indians. A very, very close second is Antisocial. We'll go with those two, and then maybe the rap/rock installments by 'Thrax next week. This week's WSRH is Indians by Anthrax or Antisocial by Anthrax. This is a win/win for us here at the blog. We love Indians and we love to be antisocial. Antisocial Native Americans are our type of people. Rock on, enjoy your Tuesday, and VOTE dammit!

2007-03-05T18:56:00.000-07:00

This post is going to be a hard one. My head is still reeling after witnessing that villanous and un-called for blow from one of those Duke U. maggots against a proud and noble Tarheel yesterday. I'll try to carry on. I've become a Wikipedia addict in the past couple of months and I was reading the band history of Led Zeppelin today. I like Zep, although I know they're not exactly hair metal. I will point to them as one of the TRUE founders of the genre though, and some of our beloved 80's hairsprayed idols unabashedly hawked their sound and style. Jimmy Page recently announced a replica of his double necked Gibson SG that he played throughout the concerts filmed on "The Song Remains The Same". Won't find this edition in your local Wal Mart or Target stores though. The "original spec" will be limited to 250 guitars (making them hard to put a price tag on) and his "aged" version will probably go for 20k or more. That would make for one hell of a practice guitar Joe Saytch. Hell, your kids didn't need college anyway. They'll probably be laborers.

2007-03-04T20:18:00.000-07:00

One of America's newest citizens is one you may recognize. David Coverdale took the oath to uphold the US Constitution recently, solidifying his status as an American. Coverdale has lived in the Lake Tahoe area for years, so the move probably made more practical sense than the thought that Coverdale was overcome with American patriotic pride. In any case, we're glad to have him. Now if we can just figure a way to EXPORT Tawny Kittaen, we'd be in business.

2007-03-03T09:08:00.000-07:00

Good Saturday morning everyone. Time once again to unearth a little metal obscurity with our Obscure Metal Song of the Week. Even though Judas Priest are hailed as true pioneers of metal, I didn't get into them until after they had acquired a little following here in the US. Screaming for Vengance and Stained Glass are considered their masterpieces, but I became a Priest fan with Turbo. Still love that album. They had a couple of very popular and successful releases off of that album (namely Turbo Lover and Parental Guidance) but I want to go with a tune off of side two that still rocks. Out In The Cold is this week's OMSOTW and it hits harder than any synth-metal song out there. I hope everyone enjoys their weekend!

2007-03-02T13:34:00.000-07:00

TNT is a band we've mentioned a few times in our blog, but is a band that has certainly slid under the hard rock radar for the past say....20 years. I just wanted to give them a little shout out and let any hard core Norwegian progressive metal fans know that the finishing touches are being put on their new album, The New Territory, and it is receiving very strong criticial praise by those who have heard it. The lineup has changed considerably sinced our mulleted heads bobbed to Ten Thousand Lovers In One but I will still try to download some of the new record this summer upon it's release.

2007-03-01T12:57:00.000-07:00

It's time again for our Album O' The Week. This one is most definitely in my top ten albums of all time, and it would probably still make the list today. This week's AOTW is Mechanical Resonance by Tesla. More hard rock than hair metal, but it deserves recongnition on this blog. Tesla has a new CD of covers coming out later this year, so give it a listen if you actually still walk into record stores. Highlights of this week's selection include: Modern Day Cowboy, Little Susie, and Gettin' Better. Relisten and re-live folks, because it's this week's spotlight album.

2007-02-28T15:25:00.000-07:00

Good things going down on Megadeth's website recently. You can tune in there now for a sneak preview of Sleepwalker from the upcoming United Abominations album, as well as some information about the upcoming tour. As we know, 'Deth will be touring with the DIO version of Black Sabbath (Heaven and Hell, as it's called) and although Candadian dates are the only ones lined up for sure, Mustaine himself says he'll see us by the end of the summer here in the States. Hey Dave, don't leave out North Carolina like last time! On another note, we've been kinda secular around here for awhile but we've had two outside posters today and I would like to give them a little recognition. To kick it with some real metalheads check out Allyson at www.bringbackglam.com and Rob at www.hardrockhideout.wordpress.com We're making friends boys (God knows we have enough enemies) so try to act respectable. We might need a floor to crash our drunken vomit covered bodies on at 4 in the morning.

2007-02-27T14:19:00.000-07:00

Today's Which Song Rocked Harder will feature the same band but different albums. Wildside off of Motley's Girls, Girls, Girls might be my favorite song off of that album and Dr. Feelgood might be my favorite track off the album of the same name. The sound on those records was subdued compared to Shout At The Devil and Motley Crue, but the boys were still rugged at this stage of the game. The Crue stayed that way, to their credit. These two will be played loud just because it's right, but play them extra loud to determine scientifically WSRH!

2007-02-26T21:08:00.000-07:00

Well, we survived the Vegas trip and are back to our respective dull lives. Good thing I don't live in that town, or I wouldn't be alive very long. Sammy Hagar made headlines on Saturday as he started the Busch race in his hometown of Fontana, CA. Hagar was chosen as the Grand Marshall (who usually handles the "Gentlemen start your engines" duties) and he added "light 'em up" to the most famous words in motorsports. Glad it went over well. As a NASCAR fan, that is one of the things I've found that is the most critiqued in the NASCAR world---the grand marshall's signal. Glad a hair metal God got an A+.

2007-02-20T21:22:00.000-07:00

Myself and several posters on this blog descend upon Las Vegas tomorrow. Wish us luck to win millions tomorrow and we promise the following things in metaldom:

1. A reunited Skid Row, with a return to the good stuff.

2. A great Metallica Record

3. Dave Mustaine joining the aforementioned Metallica band in a string of concerts across the country.

4. A reunited Guns and Roses, with a return to the good stuff.

5. Gene Simmons declaring bankruptcy and having to play a juice harp in the streets to get money for food.

6. A homicide spree where Ozzy kills his family and everyone associated with his reality show, then using his mastery of the occult to bring Randy Rhoads back to life for a reunion album.

7. AC/DC learning another chord.

8. A pay per view UFC blowout featuring Don Dokken and George Lynch.

9. A double CD where Iron Maiden sings the songs of Europe.

10. Lita Ford and Doro Pesch in an artfully done lesbian flick. With us as the camermen.

Blackjacks all around, luck slot pulls, and all our teams win us money this weekend. See you tomorrow night guys.

2007-02-19T19:16:00.000-07:00

You can't say that our metal bands are not without the deep thinking crowds. Judas Priest is in the studio putting the finishing touches on a double disc record that chronicles the life and accomplishments of famed prophet Nostradamus. Won't see Kelly Clarkson or Beyonce doing that anytime soon I'm sure. No word yet if they'll have a third disc with discussions on the battle techniques of the ancient Persian army with Iron Maiden, but we wouldn't be surprised. To enhance this thought, I'm including the gayest photo of Rob Halford I can manage. Tim Hardaway would be so proud.

2007-02-17T16:39:00.000-07:00

We delve once again into Metal Obscurity with our Obscure Metal Song of the Week. I have this one downloaded into my MP3 and I just had to mention it, because I can never listen to it just once. This week's OMSOTW is Shoot The Preacher Down the Bulletboys. I like the way the bluesy intro soaks right into the shotgun start when the guitars and shit kick in. It's the solid.

2007-02-16T16:37:00.000-07:00

Good news and bad news on the eve of the Daytona 500 (NASCAR is my friends' new love, as I'm sure they will tell you). Seems the theme song that will play before every race on Sunday (while ESPN has coverage anyway) will be Back In The Saddle Again by Aerosmith. That's good news from the standpoint of me liking that song. It's bad news because it will invariable be mixed with concert footage of the band, and we will have to see Steve Tyler again. Bad news anytime that happens.

2007-02-15T14:44:00.001-07:00

Thursday means Album O' The Week. I was reading Ace Frehley's wikipedia page and found out some interesting stuff. He was the last member to audition for KISS, and at first Peter, Gene and Paul weren't interested in having him in the band. After not finding anyone better, they called him three weeks later with the gig. Ace was also the member of KISS that came up with the lightning bolt "s" feature in the logo, and was responsible for most of the makeup. His ongoing feud with Gene was well documented, and it accounted for him leaving the band. We're going to focus on Ace's moderately successful solo career and feature Frehley's Comet, the initial release from the band of the same name, as our Album O' The Week.

2007-02-14T12:45:00.000-07:00

Stryper frontman Michael Sweet has issued a "prayer" request for his fans in conjunction with his wife's upcoming surgery after a growth was found on her ovary.

"Kyle [Michael's wife] was admitted to Brigham and Women's Hospital [in Boston, Massachusetts] on Monday, Feb. 12. After ultrasound and CT scan information, they have found a mass around/on her right ovary and fluid surrounding it. The Lord opened the door at Brigham and Women's and also appointed the perfect team to care for Kyle. It was a miracle how it unfolded and worked out. We're so grateful for what God has done and she is in the best hands and under the best care possible."She is undergoing surgery around 3:00 p.m. Feb. 14 (Wednesday) and they will be removing the mass, the fluid and anything else that they may need to remove. We're asking for everyone to pray for healing and strength to get through this time. We've come to realize how precious life is and how precious love is. "I love Kyle so very much and I want to thank all of you for praying for the love of my life. It means so, so much to our family."We love you and will keep everyone informed as we know more."

I don't think it will do much good knowing the crew at MamasFallenAngels Michael, but we'll pray all the same.

2007-02-12T13:30:00.000-07:00

More news of the puke inducing nature. Slash was recently seen jamming with.....I almost can't bring myself to write this....The Black Eyed Peas recently at their bash for needy children in Los Angeles. Thank God it was for a good cause, because Slash would lose major points if he wasn't scoring points for the less fortunate. By all accounts, he did rip the place up especially on their hit "Let's Get It Started." Other Velvet Revolver news has them parting ways with producer Rick Rubin. The parting was amicable, with a "direction we're not going in" general response issued by the VR camp. Not good news for us. If Rick isn't good enough for Scott Weiland, what the hell can he do for James Hetfield?

2007-02-10T11:20:00.000-07:00

We're going to feature White Lion on the Obscure Metal Song of the Week because I feel bad about thinking they were flaming homosexuals all these years. I didn't hate the music, I just felt like if I started listening to it on a consistent basis, I would one day find myself in my mom's closet trying to find heels that matched my skirt. Ugly thought, even now. Anyway we here at MamasFallenAngels don't want to be labeled as homophobic (hairy, beer guzzling, smoking, cursing, tattoed men who sit and talk about metal and sports, but certainly not homophobic) and we know alot of gay guys making a stand for metal. Take Rob Halford. I hate Halford, but because he's British, not gay. This week's OMSOTW is When The Children Cry by White Lion. It is by all accounts a very fagg...ummmm SENSITIVE (yes that's the word, sensitive) song that details children crying about the inevitable demise of humankind by nuclear war. I'll assume that more children at this time were crying because X-Box's hadn't been invented yet, but White Lion gets deep man. Real Deep. Anyway crank When The Children Cry by White Lion because it's our fuck ronald regan and his army of heterosexual war mongering gay hating nuclear weapons hording yuppie asshole supporters Obscure Metal Song of the Week!

2007-02-09T13:21:00.000-07:00

Well....What we've been waiting for and semi-wishing for is coming closer to a reality. According to Metallica's website, they will begin recording of their new album in the middle of March. As we have discussed on this blog before, Rick Rubin and not long time producer Bob Rock will have the reigns. Lars Ulrich, in an interview with Revolver magazine, sounded very excited about it. I hope so, because every time I hear Ride The Lightning I want to weep for what they have become. The timebomb is ticking folks!

2007-02-09T06:42:00.000-07:00

Album O' The Week is Pride by White Lion. I think I have a hard time remembering how hot White Lion was back in the day. Upon inspection When The Children Cry went all the way to number two on the charts. Wait was the first single from this one, but When The Children Cry was always my favorite. These guys tried for a comeback awhile back, but Vito Bratta wanted no part of it. He hasn't been heard from since 1994 and seems to be out of the music business and working with computers. Too bad, the guy could play. This was hair metal in the classic sense: Pride by White Lion.

2007-02-07T19:56:00.000-07:00

I think I've found us a new yearly getaway boys. Brett Michaels is a guest "counselor" at a Rock and Roll fantasy camp held in Hollywood. The price is steep, contestants will pay $9500 bucks to get guided by the masters, with a battle of the bands type contest at the end at the House of Blues in LA. Other guest "counselors" include: Paul Stanley, Scott Ian, Mark Slaughter and Bruce Kulick.

2007-02-06T20:39:00.000-07:00

This week's Which Song Rocked Harder is gonna be done German Style, hold the sausage. I like both of these songs by the Scorps, and they are the ones still played on classic radio across the country. WSRH--No One Like You or Rock You Like A Hurricane. Gizzniten!!

2007-02-05T20:51:00.000-07:00

I have mixed feelings about this bit of news. Members of Slaughter, Matthew and Gunnar Nelson, and members of Mr. Big got together for a mini-concert labeled Scrap Metal. First off, I think the name is a little self-deprecating. Guys like these were the gatekeepers of hair metal in the late eighties early/nineties and they fell asleep at the wheel. They lended more to hair metal being viewed as big hair cock rock more than anybody. There's several aspects of that I like, and several aspects I don't. Mr. Big and Nelson are obviously aspects I don't. No knock to Slaughter, but you don't belong here guys. This reeks of desperation. On top of all this, the audio (available here) sounds like these guys were bored and out of tune.

2007-02-04T12:10:00.000-07:00

Hey folks, I'm still here. I hit a birthday party last night that ran a little late but we're going to check back in with this week's Obscure Metal Song of the Week. This one comes from Skid Row, which as we know is where Park Avenue leads too. Monkey Business was the first single from Slave to the Grind, and it was a hit with critics and fans. Skid Row was more bubble gum (equally as good, in my mind) but this was a brave record for Seb, Rachel, Snake and the boys to make. It crunches real hard and Monkey Business is it's flagship. Crank it because it's this weeks OMSOTW!

p.s.

Bears by a touchdown. I can feel it, and my sports betting acumen is unmatched.

2007-02-02T15:50:00.000-07:00

Well.....My hand was forced. I didn't plan this. IT IS OFFICIAL. David Lee Roth is back with Van Halen. We'll get dates from the 40 date US tour that will be announced later this month. I'm a Van Hagar guy, but I'm excited about this. I really am.

2007-02-01T19:50:00.000-07:00

Hey from a cold and icy North Carolina. It takes more than a little weather to keep the HMB away. Damn, we talk about the weather so much on this site you should tune in for the morning commute news alone. But back to the ROCK. This week's Album O' The Week is one I really like. My friends and I have had endless arguments on the lineups of VH, and this is the Sammy camp's ace in the hole. This week's AOTW is 5150 from Van Haggar. I read somewhere recently that one of the stumbling blocks between Dave and Ed was Ed's insistence of keyboards on 1984. I found that funny because I think Dave always lent more to them being a pop band. The keyboards continue here, but I like them. Love Walks In was a great ballad, and Dreams is good inspiration. This one has some rockers: Best of Both Worlds and Get Up stand out. Crank 5150, it is our Album of the Week.

2007-01-31T16:03:00.000-07:00

More reasons I don't like Aerosmith time. It seems Steven Tyler will speak at a rally this month to show support for formation of a "Peace Department". The Peace Department will pass legislature and educate others on how to stop violence and opression in the world. Why didn't we think of this ages ago!! To stop world fighting we needed to just create ANOTHER government agency!! No word yet if Tyler will squeal and do the splits after his speech. We'll try to keep you posted.

2007-01-30T12:59:00.000-07:00

Time for Which Song Rocked Harder--the most intense clash this side of the SuperBowl. This week we're going to go with a one man guitar arsenal against his former band. Mark Slaughter left the Vinnie Vincent Invasion in the mid eighties. Slaughter lives on but there hasn't been much from Mr. V V lately. This week's WSRH is Up All Night by Slaughter vs. Boyz Are Gonna Rock by former Kiss Guitarist Vinnie Vincent. And his Invasion. Which is basically Slaughter. It's confusing so don't think---just vote.

2007-01-29T13:37:00.000-07:00

Time to make Steve and Cody jealous. Just got my Winger tickets for the 2/7 show at Amos Southend in Charlotte. Headed for a heartbreak motherfuckers. Headed for a heartbreak. It's a Wednesday night show, so I'll try to have a full report on Thursday.

2007-01-28T11:49:00.000-07:00

We've recovered from the cold stuff and are back up to the 60's around here. Good for us, even though my friends in the midwest are still getting pounded with the cold weather. Interesting (and good) news from Rockstar Supernova's record and current tour. The self-titled record is not in Billboard's top 100 albums and the tour has been very, very poorly attended. Reality TV bullshit has no place in the halls of metal. No place.

2007-01-27T22:14:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the late post, but we had some administrative problems with Google/Blogger. Got 'em resolved so back to the METAL! For the obscure song of the week, I think we'll go with Hall Of The Mountain King by Savatage. I made mention of them in an earlier post, and downloaded the song into my MP3 player. It's very good, and is one that has probably been overlooked by our faithful readers for some time. Crank Hall Of The Moutain King by Savatage because it's our OMSOTW!

2007-01-25T19:43:00.000-07:00

Thursday means the beginning of the drinking weekend, but it also means Album O' The Week. We don't deny being Metallica worshipers around here (at least the old shit!) so we'll go with Metallica this week. This whole album is downloaded into my MP3, and it's a section I don't fast forward when I'm looking for treadmill inspiration. This week's AOTW is ....And Justice For All by Metallica. Lots of good stuff here, and not the overplayed stuff we used to be subjected to on MTV. One is great, but come on. We have gems here. Blackened is great. And Justice is genius. Eye Of The Beholder is golden. We haven't even got off the first side here folks! Shortest Straw might be my favorite song off this album, nostalgic because my brother used to beat the shit out of me while quoting this very tune. Puppets and Lightning may be gone. I can live with that. If they get back to the form of this album, I'll die happy. G'night Metalheads.

2007-01-24T20:07:00.000-07:00

I hate to admit this, I really do. As an omnipotent heavy metal encyclopedia, I should know such things. You know that rocking Christmas diddy you hear around the holidays known as Christmas in Sarajevo? I always thought it was by the Trans Siberian Orchestra, because that's what I've always read and heard. Turns out the original was by none other than progressive NYC metal band Savatage. I also came to find out that they actually tour with that orchestra and a few band members were it's founding members. That's good to know, because next time they come around during the holidays and all the uppity holiday program viewers go to get a glimpse of electrified Christmas carols, I'm going to jump onstage and launch right into Hall of the Mountain King. I will. Trust me, I'll do it.

2007-01-23T17:28:00.000-07:00

For tonight's Which Song Rocked Harder we're going to make it an all out axe-slingin' contest. Ozzy has been through more guitarists than he has AA counselors, and they've all been top-notch. This week's WSRH is going to feature three: Bark at the Moon ala Rhoads, Lightning Strikes ala Lee, and No More Tears ala Wylde. I personally am a Lee fan, it doesn't get any better than The Ultimate Sin, but we'll put it to the faithful. Which Song Rocked Harder?

2007-01-22T17:58:00.000-07:00

Slayer does.......Late night TV? Yep, Jimmy Kimmel Live to be exact. Only the Grammy nominated Eyes of the Insane was shown live, but the show was a huge success. All of the songs should be available on YouTube shortly, but six songs were played in all. Slayer originally wanted to do their controversial anthem Jihad, but were denied when told half of the song would be "bleeped" by sensors. Free speech anyone? No matter, it was good to see the Slay get some play---I'll bet it was more rockin' than stupid pet tricks or goofy monologues.

2007-01-21T21:28:00.000-07:00

Good news here late on a Sunday night. Looks like the original lineup of the Cult will return to the studio to record an album slated for a fall release. Good for them/Good for us. To keep us tided over until the release, the boys also are releasing a DVD of a recent New York City show. No date yet on the DVD, but we'll look forward to it. This studio album will be the Cult's first since 2001. Make it good fellas, we need a good one! G'night metalheads.

2007-01-20T16:32:00.000-07:00

Saturday once again and Obscure Metal Song O' The Week again. This one comes from Queensryche, and band who we really think a lot of around here, and a band who has been around for a long time. I could pick any one song of Operation Mindcrime and it would work, but I'm going to go off of Rage For Order and the single Gonna Get Close To You. It's a song about stalking, straight up. I like the way the guitar sounds in this one, and even though Qryche has all the credentials of a hair metal band, they have always been separated by their intense song writing and social conscience. This one is from way back in 1986, so it dates us all here, but we quit being young a long time ago (with the exception of Josh, and his Red Jumpsuit Aparatus fetish.) Crank this one, and re-visit the album if you can. It's a straight-up rocker!!

2007-01-19T21:49:00.000-07:00

Kind of off the hair metal radar, but I got some tickets to a band I really like. Seven Mary three is coming to a little bar east of here in the middle of February and me and some buddies are going to check them out. I know this music was supposed to be the death knell for hair metal, but I never put Seven Mary Three in that category. I guess I always considered them like Tesla on steroids. Looking forward to the show and I'll let you know how it goes. G'night metalheads.

2007-01-18T12:54:00.000-07:00

Well, we got the weather as promised. It's not really bad, just cold and rainy but we did have enough snow to cover the ground. That's enough to make supermarket shelves barren here in the south. Now that we got the weather report out of the way, it's time to get to what we all came for. The Album O' The Week. We're going to stay with our earlier post theme of Bon Jovi for this AOTW. New Jersey was the album right after the world was taken over by Slippery When Wet. The first single, Bad Medicine, took off right where Jon and boys left off--hard hitting blue collar arena rock. Lay Your Hands On Me is probably the hardest rocker, and it's good adrenaline music. It's the stuff Rocky would have trained too if we would have come around a decade later. Living in Sin is Bon Jovi's most underrated song, sung with conviction and passion. If you pay attention to the song, you'll agree: "Hey, we don't need to be married to live together and fuck like rabbits in non-christian ways." He spoke to the depths of my soul on that one. I'll be there for you was played at every middle and high school dance in the world (the Chinese translation was tough, I'll bet) and was a staple on MTV. The hidden gem on this record is 99 In The Shade. Crank it!!

2007-01-17T13:56:00.000-07:00

I think we have some cold weather moving our way tonight, and I personally hope it snows three feet deep. Got some TESLA news for us tonight, and it's a true feel good story. Jeff Keith, lead singer for the band, was presented the annual EVIE (have no idea what that is) award by Animal Rescue Foundation founder Tony LaRussa. LaRussa, if you remember, is the manager of the team that backed into the pennant last year and luckily won the World Series. Keith, was presented the award for finding and caring for mistreated dogs in the California area. It seems to have become a passion for him. He seems like a real good guy and stated in the interview that TESLA has a new album on the way (tentatively titled RealtoReel) that features a new groove on some old 70's rock classics. Great guy, Great band. I have to admit however, that he is one ugly sucker.

2007-01-16T14:31:00.000-07:00

Tuesday once again and time for the Which Song Rocked Harder phenomenon! Due to American Idol starting again tonight, I asked a panel of experts what songs they would like to see in the WSRH. They didn't respond, so I turned to Cody and Steve. Cody played the large loveable Randy, Steve played the sarcastic dickheaded Simon, and Steve's lovely wife played Paula by being passed out in the corner with a bottle of vodka and a horse dose of valium. This brain trust did......Very Well!! I think you'll be impressed with this week's addition as we throw Smooth Up In Ya by the Bulletboys in the ring with Money Business by Skid Row. Good bands, good records, good songs. This might be the most hotly contested WSRH in decades. I like Smooth more as a song, but Monkey Business reinvented Seb and the boys. In the spirit of the 80's classic Karate Champ....FIGHT!!!

2007-01-15T19:45:00.000-07:00

Time for a little Bon Jovi news. Seems Jon Bon is having a good winter with a grammy nod for country collaboration of the year with "Who Says You Can't Go Home Again" and a People's Choice Award win for the same song under the "favorite rock song" category. Now I hate country. The only thing I hate worse is award shows. We blasted this song several months back and we're not going to back off of that now. This is one of worst songs I've ever heard and it makes me wonder what Jon and the boys were thinking. Get back in the studio and give us another Slippery or New Jersey. We could use it now.

2007-01-14T20:45:00.000-07:00

Ozzy's stirring again and rumor has it that the new record will be more along the lines of Bark at the Moon and No More Tears. After 2001's dissapointing Down To Earth, Ozzy wanted a return to the stripped down basics of just going into the studio and feeling out the record vs. having heavy direction from a producer. Zakk Wylde will serve once again on guitar, and had this funny jab in the article about Metallica and producer Bob Rock:

"We just went in and jammed out the riffs, just like how they made 'Back in Black' and all the SABBATH records," said Wylde. "I don't need Bob Rock there to tell me what to do, like that 'Vagina Monologues' band METALLICA. When you know where you're going, you don't need to ask for fucking directions! It sounds like classic Ozzy — there's piano ballads, there's an acoustic thing, and then there's the heavy shit. From the beginning, Oz kept saying to me, 'Zakk, we need another 'No More Tears' — we've gotta piss all over that fuckin' record. This thing's gotta be able to hang with 'Diary of a Madman'!'"

Wylde has always taken swipes at people when he should keep his fucking mouth shut, but I thought that was pretty funny. And dead accurate too. Goodnight Metalheads, see you next week.

2007-01-13T05:52:00.000-07:00

Early Saturday morning. First edition Sportscenter-check! Crappy lowfat oatmeal-check! Obscure Metal Song of the Week-check! This one comes from Dokken, who have been much maligned by Steve. I would consider this an insult, if Steve didn't also malign world peace, cancer cures, and Santa Claus. Tooth and Nail, off of the album of the same name, is this week's OMSOTW and it rocks with stellar rockness. The thing that drove them, no slight to their current axeman Jon Levin, is Mr. Scary's hooks. They are legendary. He belongs up there with EVH, Slash, and Rhodes in my opinion. Of course, no one can match the breadpick fury of yours truly on the six string, but these guys certainly have their place. I'm going to package this one with Alone Again as an excellent one-two for your Saturday. And I says....Rock On!

2007-01-12T18:05:00.000-07:00

As I sit here working, I have on RATT's Greatest Hits (8191) and I'll be damned if I don't think I like them better than Motley. That would put them pretty high on my all-time list, but I think they're deserving. Put them in a timeline: Out Of The Cellar, Invasion Of Your Privacy, and Dancing Undercover were all stellar records. All were released back-to-back. Not many bands from the era can say that. I guess the Crue's foursome of Devil, Theater, Girls, and Feelgood is overall better, but I can make a huge argument for RATT. Rock on guys.

2007-01-11T22:41:00.000-07:00

Hey ya'll. Got out of class late and got a late jump on the blog, but it's Album O' The Week time once again. With this one, we'll go with a sequel to a smash hit. This week's AOTW is Lies by GnR. I liked this one a whole lot, even if it doesn't have any of the smashing crunch of it's predecessor, Appetite For Destruction. Axl really started to show his non-conformity in this one using lyrics that detailed the killing and burying of his significant other and using the controversial "n" word. The racist bit got him in a spot of trouble, particularly around St. Lou if I remember, but he made up for it by wearing an NWA hat in a St. Louis concert. AHHH, the PR machine! Patience was an MTV staple, but my fave is One In A Million. Crank this one at higher than normal volume levels, seeing how it is mostly acoustic. Rock on Metalheads!

2007-01-10T19:19:00.000-07:00

Van Halen will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame March 12th in NYC. No word yet if Roth will join his VH mates for the complimentary performance for the induction. I'm glad Van Halen is on this list, their music meant a lot to the popularity of hair metal back in the day and hopefully this will open the door to more 80's hard rock act. Other inductees include REM and GrandMaster Flash. It's Like a Jungle Sometimes.